In a nostalgic yet necessary move, the Sioux Falls City Council has decided to relocate a treasured collection of taxidermy animals, once the pride of the Delbridge Museum of Natural History.
It turns out these relics from the past posed a very modern threat: arsenic exposure.
This chemical conundrum has forced the museum’s closure, putting the future of 152 preserved creatures in jeopardy—until now.
The collection, affectionately known as the Brockhouse Collection, has been a staple of Sioux Falls since it was displayed decades ago by local businessman and hunter, Henry Brockhouse.
For nearly 40 years, these specimens, including crocodiles, monkeys, tigers, and zebras, captivated visitors.
But recent testing revealed that 80% of these specimens contained potentially hazardous levels of arsenic, leading to a sudden and unceremonious shutdown of the museum.
Arsenic, a chemical once widely used in the taxidermy process to ward off pests, is not exactly a welcome guest in modern times.
The museum’s manager, Denise DePaolo, highlighted that without proper barriers, the potential for visitor exposure created more risk than reward.
As a result, the city faced the difficult decision of finding new homes for the collection, ensuring that these historical artifacts wouldn’t be lost to time.
In a unanimous vote, the City Council approved a plan to donate the collection to various reputable institutions.
The University of Notre Dame Museum of Biodiversity, Atlanta’s Oddities Museum Inc., and New Jersey’s Institute for Natural History Arts Inc. will soon welcome these taxidermy treasures, where they will be displayed behind glass and out of reach.
These institutions promise not only to preserve the specimens but to breathe new life into them through educational displays and expert care.
While some residents are mourning the loss of this local legacy, the move is seen as a necessary step to preserve the collection’s historical and educational value.
Council Member Curt Soehl expressed a sentiment many locals share, saying, “There is no path forward to keep it in Sioux Falls.”
He added, “It pains me to say that. It’s going to be sad for me to let that go.”
Yet, there’s optimism that this transition will ensure the collection’s story continues to be told.
Council Member Miranda Basye encapsulated the bittersweet nature of this decision, stating, “With as much memory and as much legacy as I think is really wrapped up into this collection and the story of it being in Sioux Falls, I think the right place for it is with these other institutions that are going to care for it, that are going to give it a long-term life.”
In an era where preservation often clashes with safety, Sioux Falls has chosen to prioritize both, entrusting these unique pieces of history to institutions equipped to protect them for future generations.
As the Brockhouse Collection embarks on its new adventure, it leaves behind a legacy not only of natural history but of a community’s resilience and dedication to safeguarding its heritage.
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